Corporate Sponsorship Hits L.A.'s Landmarks
Passed by The Wiltern Theatre last night, just as I do every evening, driving home from work.
Only it's not called "The Wiltern Theatre" anymore. Nope, the 1931 theater -- saved from the wrecking ball in the early 80s, restored in 1985 and again in 2002 -- is now "The Wiltern LG."
LG Electronics has signed on as a corporate sponsor, and will install video projection equipment inside the venue. Fine and dandy. But in exchange, the company's "LG" logo now features prominently on the Wiltern's marquee.
You won't be shocked once you hear who brokered the deal: Our old friends at Clear Channel, which happens to manage the facility. Man, they really are everywhere, aren't they!
"This partnership with LG Electronics will enable The Wiltern to retain its historic character," Alan DeZon, vice president, operations for Clear Channel Entertainment, said in the release. Hmm, by altering the venue's name?
Listen, I suppose it's just the sign of the times, and I've got to get over it. Maybe corporate sponsorship is what's needed to save some of our other L.A. landmarks. Anyone want to pitch in to subsidize the cost of turning the Ambassador Hotel into an LAUSD high school? Honestly, I suppose I'd rather see the "Cingular Wireless Ambassador High School" if it was the only way to prevent the school district from taking a wrecking ball to the building.
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